Chinese And American Elementary Mathematics Teachers example essay topic

Mathematics is an essential language used in science to quantitatively describe natural and social phenomena and to expand systematic thinking. Faced with the increasing complexity of modern society, particularly in the 21st century, the scope of mathematical applications is being further extended to the processing, analysis, and preparation of diverse information. Therefore, capable mathematicians and research manpower well trained in mathematical thinking are in critical need, as the global competition in science and technology becomes more and more intense. In response to such needs from the society, the Mathematics Department of POST ECH aims to foster teaching and research manpower capable of diverse mathematical applications, striking a harmonious balance between research and education as well as theory and practice.

Already popular with math educators, according to the Los Angeles Times, the new book, Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics offers insight into the background that all mathematics teachers need to succeed. The author demonstrates the necessary "profound understanding of mathematics" through an in-depth analysis of Chinese and American elementary school teachers and their classroom teaching practices. The described differences and their implications tell an eye-opening story. The heart of the book analyzes a study that asked Chinese and American elementary mathematics teachers how they would handle a variety of exercises. Extreme differences in the results dramatize the Chinese versus the American learning environments and signal the need for reforms in teaching training. The book explores how Chinese teachers' deep understanding of basic mathematics contributes to their students's uc cess, and it proposes that teachers in the U.S. have difficulty developing such understanding.

The central message is that the quality of knowledge gained, for both teachers and students, is more important than its quantity. This book may be of particular interest to teacher trainers and college faculty who teach mathematics to future teachers and future parents, according to its foreword by Lee Shulman, head of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics offers an intriguing view of teachers' mathematical and pedagogical knowledge. ADVANCE PRAISE FOR RADICAL EQUATIONS: "Robert Moses is the towering activist / intellectual of his generation -- a grassroots freedom fighter of quite dignity and incredible determination for over forty years. He and Charles Cobb, Jr., have written the definitive book on one of the most important projects of youth empowerment and citizenship of our times". -- Cornel West, professor of Afro-American Studies, Harvard University "Bob Moses, one of the most important voices in the civil rights movement, is now on the creative edge of leadership again.

In this innovative new book, he shares stories from the civil rights movement and the Algebra Project to show us why math literacy for all children is a key next step in the ongoing fight for equal citizenship". -- Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children's Defense Fund "An almost legendary civil rights organizer in Mississippi during the 1960's, now blazing trails in education, Bob Moses tells a powerful and compelling story, paying tribute to a grassroots organizing tradition that is often ignored. As we enter the twenty-first century, he shows that the lessons of the civil rights movement have important application today. -- Julian Bond, chairman of the board, NAACP "This is a marvelous book, moving, challenging and novel. A visionary's treatise for educators and community". -- Theresa Perry, professor of education and vice president for community relations, Wheelock College.